Dr. Timothy Njagi, Research Fellow, Presenting at the MTEF Public Hearings

The government may need to review its budgetary allocation to the Agriculture and Urban Development (ARUD) Sector if the intended gains are to be realized.

According to Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development of Egerton University, the current budgetary allocations are way below the government’s commitment to allocate 10% of the National Budget to ARUD and 2% of Agriculture GDP to Research and Development. Current allocation to the sector was 2.3 % in 2013/14 while the allocation to Research and Development (R&D) was 0.62% of Agriculture GDP.

Dr. Timothy Njagi who represented the Institute at the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) Budget Public Hearings as a discussant, noted that although there has been an increase in funds allocated to ARUD the share of allocation has been declining a decade since Maputo Declaration (2003). He added that the allocations to the sector for 2014/15 are below the requirements (only 38% of the total requirement has been provided for) although the allocation increase by 4% in comparison to 2012/1013 financial year. The recurrent expenditure is also expected to decline for the period 2014/15 to 2016/17 while the development expenditure is expected to increase.

He further noted that the Indicators must show progress towards achieving targets set in the Second medium Term Plan to as feedback to the sector’s performance. There is also need to allocate more resources for Monitoring Learning and Evaluation (ML&E). Other concerns included the absorption capacity for development expenditure which was low, possibly contributing to an increase in Pending bills which increased two fold in 2012/13.

The public hearings are part of the MTEF budget process by the government which aims to create a link between planning and budgeting by linking policy making with planning, budgeting and implementation of programs and projects. The event also facilitates expenditure prioritization and maintains fiscal discipline by establishing solid budget targets.

This is a crucial exercise since the Agriculture and Rural and Urban Development (ARUD) sector is earmarked as one of the six sectors to deliver the 10% economic growth rate (Vision 2030). The sector contributes 24% to the national GDP, 60% to export earnings, 18% to formal employment and 60% to informal employment. It also contributes to food and nutrition security, provides forward and backward linkages with other sectors for instance manufacturing, where it contributes 75% of industrial raw materials, land, food security, investments and growth.

Quick Links

Tegemeo at the Inaugural East Africa Evidence to Action Conference, 24th May 2017

Tegemeo participated at the inaugrual East Africa Evidence to Action (ICED) Conference held on 24th-25th May 2017.

Various speakers and panelists provided in-depth insight as well as practical tools that will enhance evidence based and data informed Policy and Practice in Africa.

Many topics were covered during this inaugural conference and in line with Tegemeo's mandate of disseminating its research findings to various stakeholders, we participated in various sessions. The Institute Director Dr. Mary Mathenge led a panel of other experts from the Institute comprising of:

The panel of experts discussed keys to translating Evidence to Policy and Practice: Lessons and Experiences from Agricultural Policy Research

Besides the Tegemeo team moderating in various sessions and exhibiting part of its research products, Dr. Timothy Njagi & Dr. Mary Mathenge presented at a break out session themed Adoption of Improved Technology. Their presentation was on lessons drawn from a study on Adoption of Technology Bundles among Smallholder Maize Farmers in Kenya Evaluating Socioeconomic Impacts of Mid-altitude Maize Hybrid Varieties in Kenya. Dr. Mercy Kamau and Dr. Fred Bagamba presented at yet another break out session themed: Adoption of Improved Technology. Their presentation was onImproving food security through the introduction of new seed varieties: How effective are demonstration plots and field days in influencing farmers adoption behavior towards new maize and bean varieties?

The conference was held atPark Inn Radisson Blu, Nairobi.

Visit our twitter and flickr pages to follow on part of the proceedings

Tegemeo-ELLA Workshop on Land Tenure and Sustainable Pastoralist Systems, 16th March 2017

Date: 16th March, 2017

Venue: Ololulung’a Sub County Headquarters, Narok County

Pastoralism is an extensive form of livestock production that constitutes the main production system found in rangelands, providing livelihoods to an estimated of 500 million people globally. Similar to other parts of the world, the country’s public policy has not always pursued policies that are sustain pastoralism. This has been due to misconceptions about pastoralism, competition from other land uses, demographic changes and urbanisation. As such, pastoral communities in Kenya, similar to other parts of the world, are now facing immense pressure on their land.

Against this backdrop, Tegemeo Institute conducted a study that tracked how land tenure in pastoralist communities had changed. In addition, we were able to compare this evolution with what is happening to pastoral communities in other parts of the world with a view of learning from these experience and drawing lessons that will help pastoral communities sustain their productive systems. We have drawn lessons through interaction with experts from Sub Saharan Africa and Latin America. The findings from this work are now ready to be disseminated as we continue to engage in the debate for sustaining pastoralism. It is in the light of this that the Institute is organizing a workshop where key findings from this study will be presented and discussed. The workshop will brought together government bureaucrats, pastoral communities and other stakeholders working with pastoral communities.

Tegemeo Institute hosted a Press Conference on Thursday 25th May 2017 discussing the food situation and rising commodity prices in the country. The focus was mainly given to maize, sugar and milk and was informed by a recent rapid assessment survey conducted by the Institute.

The Institute's Outreach Communication and Partnerships Coordinator Dr. Miltone Ayieko and other Senior Researchers gave emerging evidence and recommendations from the study that are key to informing and guiding policy related to the agricultural sector.

Journalists from key media houses covered the event.

Downloads from the event

See the press release

See coverage of the event

See video coverage of the event

Tegemeo at the Inaugural Food Security and Water NMG Leadership Forum, 3rd April 2017

Tegemeo Institute participated in the inaugural Nation Media Group (NMG) Leadership Forum as part of the panelists discussing matters related to development. The forum was launched as a platform bringing together professionals, stakeholders, leaders and Kenyans to discuss issues of national importance.

Tegemeo Institute’s Director, Dr. Mary Mathenge represented the Institute, at the forum which discussed issues of food security and water access to Kenyans. Dr. Mathenge noted that there is need for a serious review of the nation’s agricultural policies and their implementation, drawing from even, the nation’s budgetary allocation to the agriculture sector of 3%. The agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett concurred that the Ag Sector has been underfunded for a long time noting that the private sector can assist to bridge this gap. On matters of food security, the Institute had in late 2016, given indication of an impending drought come year 2017 following a study conducted on the competitiveness of key food staples in Kenya: role of production costs and pricing. Issues of food availability, accessibility, and affordability were identified as key drivers to a food secure nation and at this fora, it was noted that the government’s response to emerging issues in the Ag sector though right often come in late hence the effects of drought and high food prices being experienced.

The NMG Leadership Forum platform seeks to encourage dialogue on key issues affecting the country such as economy, agriculture, health, governance and financial markets.

Invitation to afREA Conference in Uganda

Invitation to afREA Conference in Uganda - 27th - 31st March 2017

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